(Yayi)
Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola
(Yayi): Rise And Rise of a National Political Icon
By Alhaji Babba
I’m sure, many people who have come across this write up, will be surprised why a Northerner, Hausa-Fulani and Muslim, by birth, upbringing and residence, would pick interest in a serving Southern Senator, and put pen to paper, just to speak highly about him.
To be candid, I feel equally surprised that I am that person, to be so swept off my feet to write this piece, even if it may not be articulated enough to represent how I actually feel.
However, little wonder should the whole development elicit, when those reading the piece come to know that, most of what I wish to say are things I have witnessed in person, having been in Ogun State, as Federal Civil servant, for years, even as I can’t remember ever meeting in person, or would ever meet the indefatigable Distinguished Senator Solomon Adeola Olamilekan (Yayi).
The issue is, justice must be done to him, by telling the World, his exceptional performance as a National legislator, and perhaps give the world some insights into what makes him tick.
I see in Senator Yayi, a leadership capacity, with some national outlook, foresight, and clearly an expression of an awesome vision, bordering on serving beyond his immediate Senatorial Constituency, to humanity at large.
Having said that, may I, before dwelling on his epoch-making developmental efforts across his Senatorial Constituency, hasten to say that, Distinguished Senator Solomon, is evidently a person of humility, self-esteem, charisma, and transparent background, means, just as he commands sterling leadership qualities, which continue to make him stand out all along, exponentially appreciated, dignified, approachable, large hearted, as well as just, fair, equitable and empathetic.
It’s a matter of watching him going round his vast Constituency, to grasp his awesomeness as a people’s representative of immense substance.
(Yayi)
With all sense of complacency or apprehension of possibly standing scrutiny, on what I would say about Senator Yayi, I make bold to point out that, it’s difficult to tell whether he is a legislative, or executive representative of people, because he comfortably performs both roles incredibly well, promising amazing enduring array of legacies to bequeath to his enviably supportive constituents.
While making laws, is his primary role as a representative in the Senate, (which I discuss later), executing capital or physical projects directly is complementary or even optional, notwithstanding the new normal called Constituency projects package.
(Yayi)
The capacity to take both in his stride, speak volumes about what Senator Adeola Olamilekan Yayi, is as a devoted servant to his people. He said it himself, while commissioning some development projects, that, ‘I will never be apologetic to anyone for continuing to execute development projects in my communities’.
In his legislative role, Senator Solomon Adeola Yayi, didn’t cut his teeth at the National level.
He was elected as a member to represent Alimosho State Constituency 2, at the Lagos State House of Assembly from 2003 to 2007, and again from 2007 to 2011.
In a steady rise, Adeola was elected to the Federal Legislature to represent Alimosho Federal Constituency at the National House of Representatives in 2011.
Under Speaker, Rt. Hon. Aminu Tambuwal Honourable Adeola got position of the chairman of the ONLY Constitutional Committee, the Public Accounts Committee of the House, despite being a first time member of the House.
From 2011 to 2015, he also doubled up as the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Public Accounts.
He was once the Vice Chairman of Senate Committee on Communications as well as member of the Finance, Marine, Interior and Science and Technology committees of the Senate.
The unstoppable, Honourable Solomon Adeola Olamilekan Yayi, graduated to the highest level of Legislature in the land, being the Senate, to serve as the Senator from Lagos West from 2019 to date.
Adeola also served as member of Aids, Loans and Debt Management, Emergency & Disaster Preparedness, Land Transport and Petroleum Resources (Up Stream) Committees.
Still wanting to prove more about the elements he is made of, Distinguished Senator Solomon, unusually shifted indigene ship from Lagos to Ogun State, winning again to represent the latter, in the current of 10th Assembly of the Senate, serving as the chairman, Committee on Appropriations.
As prolific sponsor of Bills right from State, to House of Representatives, and now the Red Chamber, from July 2023 to July 2024, Senator Solomon Adeola, threw up Seven enviable Bills.
The Bills include, SB 09, as Nigerian Railway Corporation Act (Amendment) Bill; SB 109, as Federal College of Geological and Cement Studies (Establishment) Bill; SB 265, as Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) Act (Amendment) Bill, and SB 323, as National Institute for Border Studies, Imeko, Ogun State (Establishment) Bill 2024.
Other Bills are, SB 345, as Federal University of Technology, Ilaro (Establishment) Bill 2024; SB 367, as Agricultural Processing Zones (Establishment); Bill, 2024, and SB 386, as National Energy Bill (Establishment).
The foregoing are the latest pieces of legislation, ably sponsored by the Distinguished Senator, Solomon Adeola Olamilekan Yayi, representing Ogun West, in the Senate.
Adeola was elected to the Federal Legislature to represent Alimosho Federal Constituency at the Nigerian House of Representatives in
He is now a Senator and is the Vice Chairman of Senate Committee on Communications as well as member of the Finance, Marine, Interior and Science and Technology committees of the Senate. He was re-elected as senator representing Lagos west in the 2019 general elections.
He was named the chairman, Senate Committee on appropriations of the 10th senate on 8 August 2023.
Adeola is a member of Aids, Loans and Debt Management, Emergency & Disaster Preparedness, Land Transport and Petroleum Resources (Up Stream) Committees.
Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, has made a significant impact during his tenure at the National Assembly, particularly as a representative of Lagos West in the 8th and 9th Senate and currently for Ogun West in the 10th Senate.
His contributions reflect his dedication to legislative excellence, advocacy for his constituents, and promotion of national development.
Distinguished Solomon is a person of humble background, huge means, and sterling leadership qualities, which continue to make him stand out all along, exponentially appreciated, dignified, approachable, large hearted, as well as just, fair, equitable and empathetic.
Adeola was elected to the Federal Legislature to represent Alimosho Federal Constituency at the Nigerian House of Representatives in 2011.
He is now a Senator and Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Communications as well as member of the Finance, Marine, Interior and Science and Technology committees of the Senate.
He was re-elected as Senator representing Lagos West in the 2019 general elections.
His contributions reflect his dedication to legislative excellence, advocacy for his constituents, and promotion of national development.
One commentator on the Distinguished Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, eloquently says:
“Senator Solomon Adeola’s impact at the National Assembly extends beyond
legislation, to include real-world interventions that improve the lives of Nigerians”. Adding, ‘His (Adeola’s) pragmatic approach to governance and unwavering commitment to public service continues to set him apart as both a distinguished lawmaker, and a convincing voice for the people.”
In this first month of the year 2025, alone, under his famously enviable ‘Transformation in Progress’s initiative,’ Distinguished Senator Solomon, commissioned
a total of 59 (fifty nine) capital intensive development projects executed equitably amongst various communities, across his immediate constituency, making a lasting impact on the people.
A breakdown of these legacy projects, shows that, 16 of them are spread across Ado-Odo/Ota Community, 11, which he dubs Mega projects, are conspicuous in Ipokia community, 7 in Imeko-Afo community,
8 in Yewa North, and
17 key projects in Yewa South.
Further details of the heartwarming package of projects, reveal specific mention of
an ICT Center, aimed at empowering students with modern technology at Muslim Progressive High School Oke Odan.
A new road network dissecting Ajilete Township, Idogo lpaja, Igbeji Road, and some others.
Then, in the crucial sector of Education, the phenomenal Senator Yayi, has put in place 2 blocks of 16 classrooms at Army Day Secondary School Owode and Iwoye Area Community High School
In terms of what he calls comprehensive Community Development, the Senator, builds magnificent ultramodern Town Halls, in Owode, Pahayi Market Ilaro, and Pahayi Township.
His bridge reconstructions affected Gbogidi Bridge, Oke Ela Bridge, Double crown to Hasana bridge, and Orita bridge.
Adeola has also facilitated many healthcare with enduring infrastructure, qualified personnel, drugs, and solar mini-grids for hospitals.
Many sustainable grassroots economic empowerment initiatives, were floated for youths, women, and disadvantaged households, notably Fishery Value Chain training scheme.
Based on his professional calling, Adeola is a member of Aids, Loans and Debt Management, Emergency & Disaster Preparedness, Land Transport and Petroleum Resources (Up Stream) Committees.
To prove his mettle in that respect, especially his Fiscal Expertise, he brought to bear deep financial acumen, significantly influencing many Nigeria’s fiscal policies, towards ensuring that the country’s budget processes align with global best practices.
His leadership at various levels and in various capacities, has been critical in monitoring revenue generation and ensuring accountability.
Adeola was reputed to have been instrumental to the enactment of the law that strengthened the Lagos State Internal Revenue Service, a legislation that catapulted the revenue of the State from N5 billion monthly to over N20 billion.
He was also part of the team that passed the Fiscal Responsibility Act and the Public Procurement Act of Lagos State.
By any standard of assessing and weighing a person to qualify as fulfilled and accomplished, like any objective and fair minds, my mind, is more than convinced that, Distinguished (overall legislator) Senator Solomon Adeola Olamilekan Yayi, has passed with exceptionally flying colours of distinction, potentially bequeathing what he would, for many centuries ahead, be remembered for, with profound respect due to any figure worthy of immortalization.
Alhaji Babba writes via 0803 721 1849
